While council members said they were sensitive to Lasek's concerns, they voted to request bids from outside consultants. This comes as new Mayor Michael Venezia said he expects 5 percent reductions across the board from every municipal department.

Lasek said he could find those savings in his department, but said he was taken aback at the proposed "100 percent reduction."

The department operates well, but the council wants to "look at all other options just for satisfaction," said Councilman Elias Chalet.

Venezia said he would like to save between $200,000 and $300,000 in the Engineering Department.

Lasek said the department "pays for itself" with fees it charges for work. He said he expects it to bring in even more money due to planned redevelopment projects.

"If we outsource...all potential profit will go into consultants' pockets," he said. "We will not see a dime of this money."

In a separate vote, the council approved getting bids to outsource street sweeping, currently performed by the Public Works Department.

Other business

• Councilman Nicholas Jonaow said having a storefront police substation would not work in Bloomfield.

"It hasn't worked in Belleville," he said. "We want feet in the street."

Per voter approval of a non-binding $375,000 Third Ward Substation, the council will explore options, including the possible purchase of a mobile command center.

• The council voted to hire engineering firm Princeton Hyrdo in a non-fair and open contract. Ehrenburg said the firm is needed for the Lion Gate Drive project, where 104 townhomes are being built. Councilmen Carlos Bernard and Carlos Pomares abstained.

• Residents interested in running for ward council seats can pick up petitions in Room 214 of the Municipal Building. Petitions are due back to the Municipal Clerk's Office before 4 p.m. on Monday, March 31.

While council members said they were sensitive to Lasek's concerns, they voted to request bids from outside consultants. This comes as new Mayor Michael Venezia said he expects 5 percent reductions across the board from every municipal department.

Lasek said he could find those savings in his department, but said he was taken aback at the proposed "100 percent reduction."

The department operates well, but the council wants to "look at all other options just for satisfaction," said Councilman Elias Chalet.

Venezia said he would like to save between $200,000 and $300,000 in the Engineering Department.

Lasek said the department "pays for itself" with fees it charges for work. He said he expects it to bring in even more money due to planned redevelopment projects.

"If we outsource...all potential profit will go into consultants' pockets," he said. "We will not see a dime of this money."

In a separate vote, the council approved getting bids to outsource street sweeping, currently performed by the Public Works Department.

Other business

• Councilman Nicholas Jonaow said having a storefront police substation would not work in Bloomfield.

"It hasn't worked in Belleville," he said. "We want feet in the street."

Per voter approval of a non-binding $375,000 Third Ward Substation, the council will explore options, including the possible purchase of a mobile command center.

• The council voted to hire engineering firm Princeton Hyrdo in a non-fair and open contract. Ehrenburg said the firm is needed for the Lion Gate Drive project, where 104 townhomes are being built. Councilmen Carlos Bernard and Carlos Pomares abstained.

• Residents interested in running for ward council seats can pick up petitions in Room 214 of the Municipal Building. Petitions are due back to the Municipal Clerk's Office before 4 p.m. on Monday, March 31.